PPO member primary care provider changes

We want our members to get the best care possible. That's why we're asking all members, including PPO members, to have a primary care provider on file. This change does not affect PPO coverage. PPO members still don't need a referral to see other doctors or specialists.

In order to ensure high quality care for our PPO members, we will also begin sharing health information with that primary care provider, such as prescriptions, other doctor visits, and any medical conditions. This will help them coordinate and manage patients' care.

Both attributing PPO members to a primary care provider and sharing data on PPO members with the physicians that care for them are initial steps that Blue Cross is taking toward linking payment to performance on the PPO.

Starting this April, we will pilot this with all PPO members under the Atrius Network. Affected members will get a letter about these changes. Over the course of 2014 and 2015, we will expand communications to members who see primary care providers at other groups as well.